Position: 

Two Desert Tortoise Natural Resource Specialist positions are available to be hired for an ongoing, multi-year project on Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). The position is hourly, as-needed, and expected to be less than 120 hours over the course of 9 months. Individuals hired are not guaranteed a set schedule. Schedules will be coordinated with both CEMML and DoD staff. Individuals will be hired based on project needs and their experience and expertise. Scheduling of field activities may occur several months to only a few days in advance. 

Organization: 

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions to sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management and our mission, vision, and values, please visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/. 

Location: 

The Edwards AFB-based CEMML team employs wildlife, vegetation, and restoration specialists that support the Air Force mission. Our projects include vegetation surveys, sensitive habitat management, nuisance wildlife response, and other wildlife projects that involve small and large mammals, raptors and migratory birds, reptiles and amphibians. 

Responsibilities: 

Desert Tortoise Natural Resources Specialists will primarily support the Mojave desert tortoise compliance and monitoring program on Edwards Air Force Base. Field work will be the primary duty for these positions. Work will consist of pre-and post-activity surveys for desert tortoise and their sign, communication with project proponents to ensure compliance with minimization measures, coordination with multiple parties to schedule surveys, post-field reporting and data entry. Support for other natural resource projects may occur as needed. The CEMML team at Edwards AFB operates entirely on military lands, as a result, field work may be cancelled with little notice due to military activities. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• The candidate must have the experience and training necessary to become approved as a desert tortoise Authorized Biologist. This generally requires significant experience handling and/or surveying for desert tortoises. Note: CEMML will facilitate the actual review and approval process with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the candidate. 

• Ability to work in challenging field conditions (heat, cold, carrying heavy equipment, ability to walk long distances, etc.)  

• Demonstrated adaptability to field work related issues (health and safety conscious and able to perform equipment troubleshooting) 

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date 

• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.  

• Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates. 

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Prior work as a Desert Tortoise Monitor or Authorized Biologist 

• Previous experience with environmental compliance on construction projects 

• Previous experience working in desert ecosystems  

• Previous experience supporting natural resource projects on military installations  

• Experience working with other ESA Threated or Endangered listed species 

Hourly Rate: 

The hourly rate for the Natural Resources Specialists will begin at $70/hr.  

Point of contact for any inquiries: 

• Christina Herron-Sweet, Wildlife/Technical Lead christina.herron-sweet@colostate.edu 

• Alison Haigh, Wildlife Biologist alison.haigh@colostate.edu  

Employee Benefits:  

Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf and  https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/. 

Background Check Statement 

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. 

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu. 

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu. 

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu. 

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education